Secretlab are no stranger when it comes to crafting some incredible gaming chairs over the years, and the TITAN Evo has been dominating as the popular premium option for a few years now. While I’ve never had one myself, I jumped at the opportunity to test the TITAN Evo XL option and have simply had the best time doing so.
It’s incredibly easy to set up and adjust, and looks absolutely fantastic too. The premium quality certainly goes hand in hand with a premium price tag, but I would argue that if you’re sitting in front of a screen or at a desk for most of the day, an investment like this is worth every penny.
Design & Setup
Just for reference, before we begin, we are reviewing the all-black Stealth version of the TITAN Evo in the XL size, with the NEO Hybrid Leatherette upholstery, red trim and gold signage. This variant normally retails for A$899 via the Secretlab website, but is currently down to A$849 as part of their Christmas sale. The TITAN Evo range, however, starts from A$799.
From the very first glimpse, there’s no denying how good the TITAN Evo looks. It’s sleek and minimal when it comes to its design, but super comfortable and durable when it comes to its build quality. But let’s track back to the setup, as it’s way easier than it seems.
The chair is divided into four main parts being the back of the chair, the base of the chair, the adjustable mechanisms under the base, and the wheelbase itself. You’ll generally need to work from the ground up, and the instructions provided are incredibly clear and concise. It also helps that the pieces of the chair are individually bagged with their own handles, to help pull out and arrange them accordingly during the setup.
The wheels simply pop into the wheelbase, and the actual base of the chair and backrest are connected via a sliding mechanism that locks the two pieces into place, and helps stabilise the chair as you screw in the four screws that are already attached to that part of the chair for your convenience.
The tools required are also in the box, including a nice little interchangeable screwdriver handle, along with four additional screws that go from the adjustable base unit of the chair, into the actual sitting base, once the chair is tilted upside down. I got the chair set up to completion in around 35-40 minutes, without any real hiccups or challenges. In the box, alongside the chair itself, you’ll even get a matching magnetic headrest.
Overall, I’m a huge fan of the black Stealth variant and the XL size, and can’t really complain about how this looks or how easy it is to set up and use. While I will mention here that these parts, while easy enough to move and drag around before setup, are still relatively heavy, so I would recommend younger users or those not confident in holding each part of the chair in its entirety to get a second pair of hands or some sort of supervision.
Performance & Comfort
My first impressions of the chair were immediately positive. I would generally chalk up the comfort of the chair to its build quality, which, for a heavier guy like me, goes a long way. The XL model here supports 80-180 kg, and it also supports those who are between 181-205 cm tall. At 186 cm myself, this is a huge bonus, simply because I personally don’t feel like I’m made for most chairs, and even if I do fit, they hug tight and wear into the body over time, making them uncomfortable for longer sessions.
My body doesn’t even touch the sides of the XL variant. While that might seem huge, it’s also a great option for those who like to sit cross-legged on their chair, or simply want more space to pack in things like pillows and blankets while sitting.
While you can choose between the SoftWeave Plus Fabric or the NEO Hybrid Leatherette upholsteries, the latter option feels incredibly premium and tricky to spot between this and the real thing. But at the same time, it also stays incredibly clean during use. While I never had to clean anything drastic from this chair, my two dogs would come and check it out while I’m in my study gaming, poopping their noses on the chair for a sniff, and getting all sorts of fur everywhere. It sounds messier than it really is, but with the wipe of a damp cloth, this thing is as good as new.
I’m scared to test the scratch resistance on this simply because it looks so good, but even after two solid weeks of sitting on this thing for an hour or two at the end of each night, there’s still no sign of any bumps, cracks, or patterns of wear, particularly in the base.
The chair itself is also incredibly easy to adjust and tailor to your liking, with easy-to-locate levers under the chair that allow you to adjust your height and toggle tilting, while knobs on either side of the chair allow for lumbar support adjustment. As firm as the chair feels at first, it’s also incredibly comfortable to sit in over longer periods throughout the day, simply because you never feel you’re sinking into it or wearing it out long term.
Even falling into this thing with the tilt function activated held me in place, where I feel like I’m going to flip out or fall over other gaming chairs, which are either smaller or less sturdy. And this is incredibly sturdy. From the steel wheelbase to the fantastic lumbar of the backrest and base, it feels worth the price of the investment.
The team at Secretlab were also lovely enough to provide additional accessories for the TITAN Evo, including the PlushCell™ Memory Foam Armrest Tops, which can magnetically attach to replace the standard armrests. I highly recommend these if you feel like you lean on the armrests often, as they are so incredibly soft and warm. It’s not to say the standard options are uncomfortable, but I certainly prefer these.
Beyond the armrests and headrest, Secretlab gaming chairs can also be customised with Secretlab SKINS, in which we got to try the Charcoal Blue. The SKINS themselves obviously give the chair a whole new look, but also a new finish if you want to bounce back and forth between different feels and styles. It’s a great option, given that the chair itself feels more like a long-term investment, given its price tag.
Finally, the included magnetic headrest is also super plush and easy to adjust; you only need to pull it off and throw it onto another area of your choosing, and it will hold firm.
The Secretlab TITAN Evo is such a well-built and comfortable chair that the results speak for themselves. It’s easy to adjust and tailor to your liking, and thanks to the addition of customisable options like extra armrest tops and skins for different finishes, it’s clear that Secretlab understands that for some, this is a worthy investment, given how frequently or often we may use it.
Verdict & Value
For someone like me, the Secretlab TITAN Evo XL gaming chair is something I wish I had invested in ages ago. Let’s face it, there’s no denying the premium price tag, and depending on how often you use, or plan to use, a piece of furniture like this, it may impact your overall decision.
But even then, it’s clear from the build quality and comfort, the team at Secretlab have made their intentions clear, justifying the premium price tag to those who may work from home, game regularly, or simply sit on this for long periods of time. Our particular NEO Hybrid Leatherette option is also a huge standout for its premium look and upholstery, but the added options for armrests and skins down the track mean you won’t have to replace this chair if you’re after something new or fresh.
For those who would even consider such a price tag, I implore you to dig deeper and explore the range, because it’s simply the most comfortable gaming chair I’ve ever used.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Easy to set up; Incredibly comfortable; NEO hybrid Leatherette option is durable and easy to clean
Lowlights: A little heavy for younger users to set up on their own; Premium price tag might not suit everyone
Manufacturer: Secretlab
Price: Options starting at A$799
Available: Now available at all leading hardware retailers, including the official Secretlab website.
Review based on unit provided by Secretlab.
Featured header image provided by Secretlab.
